Extending Trailer Bunks for Runabout

[seletg]

I am rehabilitating a Glastron Aqualift plus original trailer. The bunks on the trailer are only 4.5 feet. I was planning to extend them to the next frame forward, making them close to 9 feet. Is this a good idea, or will it make it too difficult to get the boat on and off the trailer?

Thank you for the feedback, I've attached a picture which shows the trailer bunks fairly clearly, and some pretty poor boat recovery technique. I have gotten better.

Extending to the next frame up will take it out of the flat portion of the boat, so my instinct is to keep the length as is, but extend a bit more forward so the front edge is not a hard point.

Boat performs very well, but I have pulled the Force engine off during rehab, and that motor is not going back on (I grew tired of fixing it after every run). I have a vintage Evinrude, but plan to hang a new Honda on, but those plans may change.

 

[Splat]

Re: Extending Trailer Bunks for Runabout

Is there a reason you want to extend them? They will provide more support, and guidance while loading the boat, hence they will provide more friction, and MAY make it tougher to crank up to the stop. There are products you can use to help lessen the friction, cooking spray, and silicone spray are the easiest, next would be the nylon(i think( strips that mount on top of the bunks.

Bill

 

[Splat]

Re: Extending Trailer Bunks for Runabout

Properly placed rollers may be a better choice.

Bill

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Extending Trailer Bunks for Runabout

Pics

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Extending Trailer Bunks for Runabout



First question: Do you mean Aqua-Lift II? Second question: Are you going to put a Glastron Aqua-lift II hull on it?

I have a 15 foot deep vee--Aqua-lift and a 16 foot tri--Aqua-lift II hull. The II hull is not nearby so I can not check it. HOWEVER: Most of these hull have a relatively straight bottom from somewhere around the midpoint to the transom. If you are trailering a Glastron you need to check the placement of the bunks and where the bottom of the hull is straight. Unless you curve the bunks to match any existing curve of the bottom (fore and aft) then extending the bunks will simply not do any good.

You must also be certain that the bunks do not have a hard point at the front or you will biuld a hook into the hull upon storage---Don't ask how I know LOL.

If everything matches and all is well, extending the bunks will provide extra support and do no harm.

This is a regular Aqua-lift hull. The bunks are about 6 feet long. Do you see the slight hook in the bottom? The boat has been sitting on this trailer since 1971 so I'm not about to change it and the very slight hook does not seem to hurt performance--45 MPH with a 90 HP engine.